Visa’s CISP (Cardholder Information Security Program) and MasterCard’s SDP (Site Data Protection) programs are security initiatives that require merchants to safeguard card data. Visa and MasterCard, along with the other card brands, have adopted common industry security requirements referred to as the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standards (PCI DSS).

 

Customers and businesses using electronic forms of payment expect their cardholder data to be stored securely and privately. Member Service Group helps educate its merchants on the basics of data security and the mandatory industry requirements around the protection of data throughout the payment transaction process.

Are all merchants and service providers required to comply with the PCI DSS?

Yes. All entities (merchants or service providers) that store, process, or transmit cardholder data must comply with the PCI DSS. The requirements apply to all acceptance channels including retail (brick-and-mortar), mail/telephone order (MOTO) and eCommerce. Validation requirements vary depending on the number of transactions an entity processes.

What are the PCI Data Security Standards (PCI DSS)?

1. Build and Maintain a Secure Network
   • Install and maintain a firewall configuration to protect data
   • Do not use vendor-supplied defaults for system passwords and other security parameters
2. Protect Cardholder Data
   • Protect stored data
   • Encrypt transmission of cardholders data sensitive information across public networks
3. Maintain a Vulnerability Management Program
   • Use and regularly update anti-virus software
   • Develop and maintain secure systems and applications
4. Implement Strong Access Control Measures
   • Restrict access to data by business need-to-know
   • Assign a unique ID to each person with computer access
   • Restrict physical access to cardholder data
5. Regularly Monitor and Test Networks
   • Track and monitor all access to network resources and cardholder data
   • Regularly test security systems and processes
6. Maintain an Information Security Policy
   • Maintain a policy that addresses information security

Prohibited Data

Merchants and their services providers are allowed to store only the following data subsequent to authorization:

• Cardholder Account Number
• Cardholder Name
• Card Expiration Date
• Service Code
• Card Verification Data (CVV2/CVC2/CID) and full content of the magnetic stripe can never be stored after authorization.

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